Gestalt insightful learning

Its a reflective presentation on Insightful Learning Theory. The basic principles/features of gestalt school of psychology is highlighted through the explanation of the theory of insightful learning. It reveals the implication for classrooms. Perception of the whole situation, perceptual reorganization and aahaa experience are clearly mentioned by explaining the experiments with Sultan

1. Insightful learning Gestalt Theory

2. Basics Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka , Wolfgang Kohler Learning as a result of organization of perception by the learner (insight) Advocated that the organism perceives the whole and not the parts Dissatisfied with the approach of behaviourists Gestalt is German word means- Pattern, form, or configuration We react to our own pattern when we face problems

3. ... A thing cannot be understood by the study of its parts but only by the study of it as a whole According to gestalt psychology the primary factors that determine group are (Law of organization) Proximity: Nearness, if elements are near to each other then chance of to be grouped Similarity: If elements are similar in specialities they become a group Simplicity: items tend to be organized into simple figures according to symmetry, regularity, and smoothness

4. ... Learning is purposive, exploratory, and novel/creative, Neither trail and error, nor SR bond. Learner- Seeing the whole situation/perception Evaluating the relationship Intelligent Decision

5. Learning through Perception of the whole situation Perceptual reorganization Aaahaa experience-intelligent decision They use insight for the same

6. Stages of learning Survey of the problem Hesitation or pause to see the problem Repeated trails without insight Transition to sharpen the attempt Rethinking about the goal Appearance of critical point after insight Repetition and adaption as a response

7. Experiments Chimpanzees Sultan in a cage- banana hung on the roof part- a box- Jumped- failed- Sudden idea- use of box to jump from Second experiment- many boxes were required to reach banana- Learned arrangement Third- Banana Outside- two sticks- one was hollow so that the other can be put onside to make it lengthy-Tried one and another- failed- finally joined

8. --- Confirmed the role of intelligence and cognitive abilities in higher order learning like problem solving and making patterns or association Problem identification-organization of perceptual field- Insight Insight is a good observation, perception of situations as a whole or perception of those parts of the situation that provide the goal- Woodworth

9. Learning is based on Experience- past experience is helpful Intelligence- capacity is a matter Learning situation- situation and the availability of the options are relevant Initial efforts of the organism in form of trial and error is relevant Repetition and generalization- finally